The Gambia Under-20 team captain, Pierre Gomez, has told his team-mates to do all they can to excel in the maiden WAFU Cup competition to make up for their shock exit in the qualifiers for the 2009 African Youth Championships finals in Rwanda.

The Banjul Hawks defender was part of the Gambian team that suffered a back-to-back defeat against Ghana's Black Satellites last month in the final qualifying round.

In reflecting on the setback, Gomez said the 1-1 draw with Guinea Conakry, is a bright chance for the Darling Scorpions to repaint their image.

"It's disheartening that we have not qualified for the Under 20 Championships in Rwanda.

"But this tournament is a bright chance for us to prove our worth," he said.

Gomez and his colleagues will play the same Ghanaian side in their final group clash on Tuesday, and the former Under-17 ace has warned that Sunday's draw shouldn't make them get carried away but to beat Ghana.

"I know we have a bone to pick with Ghana, but we have to make it step by step.

"We have finally settled down after a marathon journey, and so far we have no difficulty. We are in safe hands and the accommodation and feeding are perfect."

"So the ball is now in our court to work hard and achieve our purpose of coming to Nigeria - to win the WAFU Cup and restore confidence in the team," he said.